Free Outdoor Movies

Region

Cinema al Fresco

Watching movies on a big screen outdoors has become a summertime tradition in numerous communities across Maryland. The experience allows viewers to enjoy food, drink and good company in a variety of casual settings while seeing the stars under the stars.

Here are locations in Maryland that have free outdoor movies. In some instances, viewers can purchase food and drink on-site.

CAPITAL REGION

Bethesda, Montgomery County - The Bethesda Urban Partnership presents Bethesda Outdoor Movies, a free series that takes place on July 22-26 at Woodmont Triangle, on the corner of Norfolk and Auburn Avenues. These five family-friendly movies will begin at 9 p.m. While a limited number of chairs will be provided, it is suggested that you bring your own.

National Harbor, Prince George’s County – Located along the edge of the Potomac River, National Harbor presents free movies on the Plaza during the summer. Family-fun movies are on Sundays through August 31. (Coolers and outside food are not permitted.) National Harbor has more than 30 eateries, 40 retailers and six hotels.

Rockville, Montgomery County - Come to the MCPS Board of Education parking lot on August 15-17 for the 18th Annual Comcast Drive-In Film Festival. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. (drive-in spots are limited; please bring your own chairs), followed by amusements, games, and music at 5:30 p.m. and movies at 8:30 p.m. Although no outside food or beverages are permitted, they are available for purchase on-site, with proceeds going to NIH Charities.

CENTRAL REGION

Bel Air, Harford County - The Town of Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission invites you to Outdoor Movies at Shamrock Park. Pre-show entertainment (including a magician, vocalists, and Irish dancers) begins at 6:30 p.m., with movies starting at sunset. Bring your own blankets, and enjoy free popcorn!

Ellicott City, Howard County – The Wine Bin, 8390 Main St. in the historic area, shows movies in its parking lot on Saturday nights through September. A wine tasting is available prior to each movie. Coolers of ice are available to chill wine and beer. Historic Ellicott City has an assortment of antiques and specialty shops, galleries, and eateries.

Federal Hill, Baltimore - Named on of the "World's Best Free Things" by Travel + Leisure Magazine, the American Visionary Art Museum's Flicks From The Hill series is held on Thursday nights from July 10 to August 28 at the Hughes Family Outdoor Theater, where movies are projected onto an impressive 30-foot wide screen suspended by a giant golden hand! Showtime is at 9 p.m., but the fun begins at 5 p.m. with free admission to the museum.

Little Italy, Baltimore – Cinema al Fresco is a series of Italian-related films on Friday nights in July and August. The movies are projected on the outside wall of Ciao Bella (a restaurant at High and Stiles streets) from the third-floor window of a private home. Folding chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Live music starts at 7 p.m., movies start at 9 p.m.. Little Italy has nearly 30 eateries – some offer carry-out and movie-night specials.

Towson, Baltimore County - The Summer Moonlight Movie Series is held in the lower level parking lot at The Shops at Kenilworth on select Fridays during the summer. The movies will begin at dark (around 8:45 p.m.), but come early for prizes, games, and fun! Be sure to bring your own chair and picnic dinner.